As I was preparing notices reminding businesses about applying for the town’s business rebate tax incentive, I realized there are probably more than 30 businesses that could qualify for these incentives — and that is without really trying hard!

Have you determined whether you qualify? Come to the Business Bites luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at the Community Center for information on the program and process.

David Mitchem, Pagosa Springs town manager, will discuss the economic development rebate incentives that were put in place last year. This program is of particular importance to builders, new businesses, expanded businesses — just about any business that is within town limits.

As mentioned before, the due date has been extended from July, in order to accommodate businesses with a busy summer schedule, and the program will now run until the end of the year. Guidelines are available online at the Town’s website, www.townofpagosasprings.com.

If you would like to fill out the forms to see if you qualify for the incentive, stop by Town Hall. There will also be forms available at the Business Bites luncheon on Oct. 19. Mitchem will explain the program in more detail and tell you how you can make this a painless process, scoring some potential revenue for your business.

Lunch will be served and the cost is only $5. Walk-ins are always welcome, however, we would appreciate a call to the Chamber to reserve your space and to ensure we have enough lunch for everyone. Don’t leave your hard-earned money on the table. Come to the meeting and find out how your business investment in our community can pay off for you.

October SunDowner

Typically, SunDowners are held the fourth Wednesday of the month, except for November and December. Due to a schedule change, the October SunDowner will take place the third Wednesday of this month, Oct. 20. The SunDowner will be held at the Chamber of Commerce beginning at 5 p.m. We will have some delicious food and beverages in a festive fall environment.

This month, due to a cancellation, the Chamber of Commerce is taking the opportunity to host the monthly SunDowner to honor one of Pagosa’s businesses — Growing Spaces. Nominated by the Small Business Development Center, Growing Spaces was recently named by the state as “One of the 2010 Top 50 Colorado Companies to Watch.” Companies must be in a second-stage growth position, developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities and creating new industries throughout the state.

No other Pagosa business has ever won this award. We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to celebrate Growing Spaces, in business in Pagosa since 1995. They have installed 80 domes in Archuleta County and have expanded the business to 48 states and 13 countries. Their goal is to double the business in the next few years and to increase the capacity for production and training. They also have a new office that provides conference and classroom space. We would like to see more Pagosa businesses nominated in the years to come.

Don’t miss the change in dates for this important and fun SunDowner. Eat, drink, be merry and find out how you might get your business to “grow.”

Membership

Once again, we have a plethora of businesses to thank for their renewals. They include Ski & Bow Rack; Old West Press; the Pagosa Springs Welcoming Service; Piedra Automotive with Bill Schwab, a board director with the Chamber; former diplomat Angie Gayhart with Cabins at Hartland Ranch; Steve and Anja Potter with Mountain Home Sound and Security; the Alley House Grille with Todd and Kellie Stevens; the River Point Cafe; Aspen Tree Veterinary Services; The Hill Agency; Derek Farrah at Plantax; Southwest Garage Door and Window; Nationwide Payment Solutions/CybrCollect; Moe Janosec with Moe’s Maps; and The Loft at the Metro located in the historic downtown Metropolitan Hotel. In the non-profit area we have the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association renewing as they wind down from another very busy season. PACK also renews — an independent grass roots group of citizens working to promote positive change in the county. We also welcome back the busiest social people in Pagosa, Ron and Cindy Gustafson.

Please take advantage of this time of year to look at your business, see how the Chamber can help you from the website, with educational classes and promotion. We’re all open for business.